Honeymoon in Mussoorie, Uttaranchal, India

Mussoorie is a picturesque hill resort, set up during the days of the Raj. A mountain - resort town at the Himalayan foothills, Mussoorie has everything to offer. Trek through the hills or jump over little hills, streams and flowers in the valley, or go fishing in the cool streams, or proceed for rock climbing or mountaineering if you wish.

A cool gateway with vignettes of the colonial era, Mussoorie is snow white in winter and flower-bright in spring. Salubrious and balmy in summer and leaf green and fern-filled in the rains, Mussorie is a paradise in all seasons.

HISTORY

The Britishers established one of the oldest hill stations and now a premier tourist destination, Mussoorie with its foggy hills and cool winds. Discovered by an adventurous military officer, Captain Young, in 1827, Mussoorie was developed by the British as an escape from the heat of the plains.

CULTURE

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, dating back to the 11th - 13th centuries, makes it a popular pilgrimage centre.

SHOPPING

The best buys are walking sticks, hand-knit cardigans and sweaters and assorted curios from the Tibetan Street Market. Shops along the Mall sell wood carvings and semi-precious and precious stones.

FOOD

Chinese,Italian, Mughlai/ North Indian, Banquet, South Indian, 24-hour Coffee Shops,Thai, Pure Vegetarian.

ENTERTAINMENT

Camel Back Cemetry

Proof of the legacy that is so much a part of the city is found in the tombstones that rest here. This is where the pioneers and first settlers of the hills, Generals as well as soldiers, memsahibs and some of their children were laid to rest. Australian novelist John Lang, who worked as Charles Dickens' correspondent, is also buried here. Fredrick Wilson known for his marriage to a Harsil girl, which earned him the name 'Pahadi Wilson', also rests here. Alfred Hindmarsh is another prominent name, a survivor of the charge of the light brigade during the Crimean War.

The Rink

An old British theatre has been turned around to house what is considered India's largest indoor roller skating rink, cleverly called, The Rink. The uneven wood gives sufficient reason for you to dress with adequate padded protection. You pay Rs 30 for entry which includes hiring the skates.

Childers Lodge

Arguably the Highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. Childer's Lodge is about 5 kms from the Tourist office. It makes a pleasant walk. The snow peaked view from here is a real treat. Binoculars are available.

LOCATION

Located in the Garhwal hills at an altitude of 2,000 m, Mussoorie is spread on a 15 km-long saw-toothed ridge 34 km north (and uphill) of Dehra Dun. It commands an awesome view of the extensive Himalayan snow ranges in the north-east and the Doon Valley in the south.

By Air

Indian Airlines has five flights a week from Delhi to the Jolly Grant Airport. Airport: Jolly Grant is the nearest functioning airport, at a distance of 59 km.

By Rail

Dehra Dun is connected to major cities with super-fast trains such as the Mussoorie Express, the Bombay Doon Express, Calcutta-Howrah-Doon Express and Gorakhpur-Doon Express. The Shatabdi Express leaves New Delhi every day except Thursdays. Railway station: Dehra Dun, 34 km away, serves as the railhead for Mussoorie.

By Road

There are several buses from Delhi to this hill station, both private and state-run. From Dehra Dun to Mussoorie, one can hire cabs (Rs 70/ Rs 350 per person) or take any of the buses (Rs 18, one hour journey) plying from just outside the Dehra Dun Railway Station. If travelling from Jammu, Saharanpur is the convenient place to catch a bus directly to Mussoorie. The road from Delhi is well maintained and the 269 km journey can be completed in six hours. Bus terminus: Mussoorie has three bus stands: the Library, Masonic Lodge and Tehri Bus Stand. Regular bus services to Dehra Dun are available from the Library and Masonic Lodge Bus Stand (every half-hour, Rs 18). For Delhi, an overnight deluxe bus is available from the Library (Rs 160) and an express bus is available from the Masonic Lodge stand. The bus stand at Tehri caters to buses for Tehri, Gangotri and Uttarkashi. Direct buses are also available for Saharanpur (110 km), Dehra Dun (35 km) and Nainital (355 km).

CLIMATE

Mussoorie has a very pleasant climate. The temperature here range between 32?C and 37?C in the summers, and between 1?C and 7?C in the winters.

On the Yamunotri Road, 18 km from Mussoorie town, Kempty Falls is one of the most frequented spots. This attractive waterfall has an altitude of 1370m. Many tourists enjoy a bath at the foot of the falls during summer.

An ideal and refreshing picnic spot on the Dehradun - Mussoorie road, the Jheel offers boating facilities, with a scintillating view of the Doon valley.

An ancient temple, it has many devout followers. The Nag Devta Temple is believed to grant the wishes of the devotees who pray here. An ancient temple on the Cart Mackenzie Road, it also offers a pleasant view of the Doon Valley.

The second highest point in Mussoorie, the Gun Hill offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The best view to catch a fabulous sight is on the ropeway ride from the Mall to Gun hill, which is sheer exhilaration.

Famous for its diverse wildlife, the Van Chetna Kendra has some of the rare species including the ghural, kanakar, Himalayan peacock and monal.

An ideal spot for fishing and angling, the Yamuna Bridge is a scenic angling spot where hill Trout and Mahseer can be caught. But before you go fishing, fishing permits must be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer in Mussorie.

It's a road with a difference. Shaped, like the back of a camel, this 3 km road stretches from Kulri Bazaar near the Rink Hall to Library Bazaar. A horse ride on this road, especially at sunset, is an experience in itself.

About 9 km from Mussoorie, this temple is on top of the Benog Hill. Thick forests surround another excellent viewpoint, the temple. You can do the first 7 km by road, but the remaining 2 km have to be covered on foot.

18 km away from Mussoorie, this is the most appropriate place for honeymooners. Originally a bungalow built in 1838, by a British Major, Clouds End has now been converted into a hotel. NAG TIBBA - An ideal spot for trekking, Nag Tibba is the highest peak around Mussoorie and covered by thick forests at an altitude of 10,000 ft. Located near the Rest House at Devalsari at Thatyur, it is 34 km from Mussoorie and is connected by a bus service.